Out of the Box

Ending CORE means I've now moved onto the Maintenance phase of the program.  Because I still want to lose a little more weight, I don't want to be completely out of the box.

This week I was allowed to start using third party meal replacements (ie., Lean Cuisines).  I can eat these instead of their box food.  It's been a great week!

Who would have ever thought Lean Cuisines were a step up on the food chain?  I've had a shrimp alfredo dish and a chicken linguine.  Plus, there's a delicious (but tiny) pizza I can eat.  That was so good. 

I'm enjoying the taste of these entrees and the freedom I feel from being out of the box.  Maintenance is fun!

The Weigh In

Monday night proved to be a pretty exciting weigh in.  I was really hoping to lose 2.4 pounds.  That would mean I'd finished these two CORE classes (and 26 weeks) with a 60 pound weight loss.  That's really what I wanted. 

I was hopeful, but not sure.  The scales had been way down then up on Monday morning.  I was even scared of a gain. I hate the fluctuating scale. 

It was raining Monday and when I ran into the building for class, I got wet and thought... man, now this is going to add more weight.  I went into the weight room trying to wipe off all the water drops.  I even took off all my jewelry.  The young nurse laughed. I explained that this was an important weigh in.  I just wanted to see a certain amount lost to end my time in CORE.  It was a milestone.

When I looked at the scale number, I knew I got my 2.4.  Actually, I was shocked.  Because I had a loss of 4.3!  I had been working hard this week, but never expected that.  So, I'm very happy and proud to report I have lost 60+ pounds in 26 weeks.  Best weigh in ever!!

End of Core II

I'm entering day 176 of the diet, week 26 in the box.  Tonight is my last fat class with my colleage Liza.  If you recall, I repeated the core class (I did make notes of each class for the blog, but they just never seemed to make it on).  Well, the second core class ends tonight.  I'm hoping the scales will show me 60 pounds down (like they did at Dr. Stickthins).  It would be a great way to end this time in the box.

My plans now are to transition into the Maintenance portion of the program.  I can still lose weight in that, if I want to.  But, I won't be required to buy their food anymore or be completely in the box.  They will start teaching me how to live in reality.  So, it won't be nearly as rigid.  Lola and Paulie transitioned into Maintenance before the Holidays.... so I have lots of support.   Liza is going to move into the Ongoing Weight Loss class. 

I'm excited about having a little more flexibility, especially now that I've lost so much.  The entrees have become a bit monotonous. I welcome some variation. 

It will be interesting to see how focused I can stay on the box with freedom lurking and all the delicious temptations it offers.

Another Year, Another Weigh In

Our company offers a wellness program for employees.  In fact, if you participate in the program in full and adhere to all rules, you get a reduced premium.  Therefore, we fondly refer to the program as "forced wellness".  Now, last week the forced wellness folks publicly named me the 4th place winner in the weight loss challenge last year.  So, I'm involved.  In fact, I work with that program all the time and try to align my department more with theirs.

So, we had a annual health fair and weigh in this past week.  I went through the fair. They weighed me, measured my waist, did my numbers (cholesterol, LDLs, HDLs, BMI, etc) all to better see where I am and what I need to improve. I sat down with the lady to go over my numbers and she explained how, for the most part, my numbers were all good.   She then cautiously pointed to my BMI and explained how it was too high.  Without asking me anything about myself or my patterns, she said "If you start exercising, you should see this number go down."  (I love how they always assume I never exercise).  When I responded with, "Oh, yes... I exercise everyday... at 5 am."  She sounded shocked and said, "Oh, really???" 

Perhaps there could be some sensitivity training?  It's the same thing everytime I join a gym or get some kind of assessment... they always assume I've never exercised.  Frustrating.

Oh well.  Maybe by next year I'll be so thin they won't even mention it.

An Unexpected Visit with Dr. Stickthin

I had an unexpected visit to Dr. Stickthin yesterday.  Earlier this week, I discovered an incredibly itchy rash over most of my upper body.  After a day of unbearable itching, I made an appointment with the doc in hopes of some relief.

When she entered, she immediately commented proudly on my additional weight loss since my last visit in late October. I had lost 30 more pounds.  Then I questioned what my total weight loss was from my first visit back in July.  I had lost exactly 60 pounds. 

Even though my rash stumped her and she wasn't overly helpful with that, it was pretty exciting to see my weight down 60 pounds at her office (where it all started).  It's been a quite an experience, and I'm really happy with that accomplishment.

Death Surrounds Me

Another very close friend lost her father this week.

Unlike my other friends who recently lost theirs, her father was older and been experiencing poor health the last few years. In fact, my friend and I had spoken quite a few times about this possibilty. She knew the reality. So, this wasn't unexpected.

Still... Losing a parent, whether expected or not, must have a profound impact on your life. And, my friend is the only child.

Today was the funeral and she spoke.  It's interesting how all three of my friends spoke at their father's funeral.  And, all did surprisingly well. All were very close to their dads.   I'm just getting home from the service... reminded of how precious life is.

Woman's Weightloss Challenge

My early morning friends at the Woman's Wellness Center (gym) decided to start a weight loss challenge.  We all put in $20 and the person with the highest weight loss percentage wins.  We started in mid-December and it will run until June.

I am already down 15 pounds from when we started.  I don't know how the others are doing... though, I can easily say none of them look any different in terms of size. 

Side challenges, like this one, help keep me focused on staying in the box.  Plus, wouldn't it be great to make a little money?  :)

My Dashboard

This is the bodybugg dashboard.  It's an app on my iphone that lets me see how many calories I've consumed for the day and steps I've taken.  It will also show your calories consumed, if you log them in. 

It even lets you save a trip.  Right now, my trip started on January 1 so it's calculating what I've done this year.  I did this screen shot on Jan 11 so it's only the first 11 days.  You'll see, at this point, I had burned 28 thousand calories this year, consuming only 12 thousand.  And, I had walked 138 thousand steps.  Many of those were in NYC.  In addition, I had 18 hours of physical activity in the first 11 days of January.

It's great to be able to keep up with this.  But, the app itself needs a lot of improvement.  The syncing is painful and cumbersome. 

The reviews agree.  I love that one guy wrote, "this app will cause you to drink!" Coz -- isn't that really the opposite of what it should be doing!!

Prayer

My boss sent this to me yesterday afternoon.

Dear God,
All I ask for in 2011 is a big fat bank account and a slim body.
Please do not mix up the two like you did last year.
Amen

Surviving NYC

My weigh in was better than expected.  I had a loss.  Down 1.5 pounds this week.  My expectation is that some of my NYC trip hasn't caught up with me yet and this might be the week to really watch the scale.  But, I'll take the 1.5 down!

To the right is a visual (from my hotel room) of all the food I brought to NYC.  (I can't get the photos to adjust right now through the blog, so sorry for the angle).  You can see that it was work to be there and be good.  Or, at least try to stay focused on the diet.

I'll have another long trip in April - to Minneapolis.  But, I think I'll have more flexibility in the diet then.  I'm hoping to, anyway.  NYC was a good test for me.  And, it helped remind me that once this chapter in the diet is over, there will be a new one... because the diet is a lifestyle not a short lived experience.

Hibernating

For the last 4 weeks, it's been very hard for me to get myself to the actual gym.  I can easily get up and work out at home (on the treadmill or bike).  But, the idea of getting out in the cold is too much for me.  So, I've only been going to the gym on the days I have a pilates reformer class - because those cost extra and I've already paid for them.

I think this diet is hard to do in the colder months.  I find myself not wanting to leave in the morning and freezing every night.  Because so much of the food (shakes, puddings, fruits and veggies) are made up of water, it keeps me feeling so cold.  I want to just hibernate.

For someone who really enjoys the cooler temperatures, I'm actually looking forward to spring.  I'm tired of feeling cold all the time and need to get back to a more diverse workout routine.

The Banner of Shame

Monday was our forced wellness kickoff event where they announce plans for this year and recognize successes of the previous year. As I previously wrote, I knew I was in the top five for weight loss. (Top 5 of 1800). And, they had called to see if I would be at the kickoff because they were going to announce it. Announce it. I can still hear those exact words in my ears from the phone conversation. I'm thinking, that's not horrible. Maybe only 300 people will go and hear it. Ah, not exactly.

My boss emails me that morning to say they've just hung a huge banner in the atrium, from floor to ceiling is how she describes it, with my name on it. I'm number 4. Then, she taunts me with, "and you know they leave it up all year. So, now EVERYONE knows."

Later, I go down to the event and actually see the banner.

Gulp.  I see that the banner says... "Total weight loss in 2010:  4661 lbs"  then listing 10 names, with me being number 4.  Wow, I think.  That makes it look like the 10 of us lost 4661 pounds, not the entire company of 1800 people.  Awesome. 

My boss sees me and, knowing my humiliation, comes to console/taunt me.  "Now, you definitely can't gain any weight back... because everyone will know."

Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple!

Traveling while on a diet is complicated. Traveling on a very restricted diet is especially complicated. And, traveling on a very restricted diet with a group on a hectic schedule is impossible. Couple that last scenario with the destination of New York City and you're basically doomed.

Despite my attempts to be good (by bringing about a kilo of diet powdered substance), it was impossible to maintain the diet completely. One benefit to being in Manhattan is the plethora of local groceries and salad spots. It's also a great walking city. My PA (physical activity) stayed about the same without having time to do my regular workouts because of all the walking I did everyday. But, we were on the go a lot and traveling light. I always had a soup or pudding with me. I ate a lot of soup this week! But, it is difficult to eat only soup. Ordering a cup of hot water at a restaurant doesn't always go over well. And, always doing that with the group is embarrassing. Then, there is the problem of having to eat where the group wants to go. If I were alone, I would just stay at the local salad shops for food. I kept a dozen bananas in my room and started my days with two shakes. I actually did go through an entire canister of shakes while here. I suppose that's a sign of commitment...?

One day the group stopped at a diner in Midtown for lunch and I went with the grilled chicken salad. I needed some meat. I had only had soups and shakes for almost two days. Well, it was the most buttered grilled chicken salad I had ever eaten. I ordered my hot water and made a soup to supplement (which I immediately spilt all over my pants). Story of my life... at least I tried.

The bodybugg was a constant resource to me, helping to keep me on track. Even though the sync option with their app is tricky and cumbersome, it was worth the pain to be able to regularly check calories burned and be able to log food consumed. My goal was to always consume less than I burned. I can't wait to get home to sync it and see how I really did.

This trip did make me realize how difficult maintenance is going to be. Maintaining my lost weight on a daily basis, with trips and the absence of such a restricted diet to keep me in check, will be hard. And not just hard sometimes. All the time hard. I watched my companions consume burgers and fries, large quantities of alcohol, pastas...whatever... And regularly envied them. They were all thinner than me. Will they gain weight this week on their excursion to the big city? Will I?

I was actually very good. Kept my calories consumed to 2000 or less most days. Burned nearly 3000 calories each day. And, I felt very restricted this week. Was that enough to get me by without a weight gain? I guess I'll find out Monday night. And, then I will really know how hard the rest of my life is going to be.

Being tempted with bar chips by an old friend from college.

Making it through Customs

Ok. So all the grams of powdery substance I had lodged in every nook and cranny of my carry-on didn't go over well in Security. In fact, they searched through the case in great depth. Then, unsatisfied, they ran the case through the scanner two more times! I was asked about the packets of stuff. I told one lady, "It's a damn diet my Doc's got me on. So much for new years resolutions, eh? Just trying to get healthy." Her response, "Ain't nuttin but a pain." Then she let me go.

Once I'm finally at the gate (which was boarding time due to all my quality time in Security), I had to check the damn thing anyway. They now have an extra small box that carry-on passengers are suppose to use to verify their bags aren't too big. It's literally about half the size of the overhead. The lady in front of me pitched an actual fit and I didn't want to contribute to the nonsense at that point. So, I said... "No problem." And, gave them my credit card for the baggage fee. As I walked past the bitter woman to board the plane, she was opening her case again and rearranging in hopes she could make the oversize rectangular case fit in the miniature luggage display box. She was slamming the attendant the whole time. I want to see my bag again. So, I was fine with being nice. However, when I walked onto the plane and realized how much larger the bins are than that box, I did feel taken. Oh well. what can you do?

By the way, I'm blogging from the plane... in flight. Pretty cool!

Travel Time

I'm leaving in the morning for NYC.  I'll be there from Wednesday - Sunday, making it the longest I've been away while being in the box.

I am funny about traveling.  I never pack more than a carry-on.  With all the box food I needed to bring coupled with the cold weather I'm planning to experience (ie., lots of sweaters), that was incredibly challenging this time around.  But, I did it.

I've added photos below so you can see.  But, at the very minimum I know that my carry-on includes:

• three sweaters
• two turtle necks
• one jacket
• three pants
• two skirts
• one dress
• a belt
• work out clothes
• an extra pair of shoes
• long johns
• socks and other "essentials"
• brush, toothbrush, tootpaste, deoderant
• blender
• 1 canister of shake mix
• 12 soups
• 15 puddings

And, my accompanying bag has 6 dozen mini muffins, sweet potato chips, files for work, iPad, more soups and puddings, a plastic container and spoon for bringing "made" puddings with me, a notebook, makeup, etc.

I've never been more proud of my packing!  This box deal is a real pain when traveling.  And, I'm terrified I'll have to readjust something once I get on the plane. But, it's a good start to help keep me on the diet this week. 

I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Celebrating 2010 and Welcoming 2011

 

2010 was a very busy year.  In fact, I believe it was the busiest year of my life.  And honestly, it was one of the best years.  A lot of really great things happened.  

I....

• Started the year co-chairing a fundraiser for my kids' school.  We threw a big bash that raised 80k!
• Had a wonderful trip to Portland in February with my dear friend Josh (despite it starting off a little rough - breaking down on the way to NOLA and having to hail a cab in Gonzales at 4 am).
• Helped our CEO raise thousands of dollars for the March of Dimes.  He later received two awards for his work, including the top walk chair in the state.
• Went to Washington DC in March to meet with legislators about community needs. Got to spend time with good people at our nation's capitol. 
• Watched the Saints win the Superbowl.  Who knew after all these years "dem boys" would actually make pigs fly.  What an incredible night! (And, a wonderful birthday for my husband).
• Enjoyed two trips to the Lake House in Nashville (March and July).  In March with both my parents and my husbands parents.  Then in July with my parents, my siblings and their kids.  I love that house!  It really lets you escape and enjoy just being with family.
• Danced on my broken left foot for Big Buddy, and won! What an amazing experience. The dancing was difficult with my injury (a lot of nights with ice packs on my swollen foot), but it reminded me of what I can do (and not to let the injury limit me).
• Got to be great friends with my dance partner Leonard and his friend Thomas.  A very unexpected surprise to fall in love with them as much as I did, and I think the feeling is mutual. 2010 actually brought several new relationships to me... got to become close to several people I didn't expect and I really appreciate that and them.    
• Did a couple of commercials.  My theatre degree came in handy with the company asked me to audition for some commercials they were making.  Got picked for two and they played across the state for months.  It was fun to be on the other side again.
• Visited with nearly 100 CEOs around the area.  It was like a mini mba.  I spent hours talking to local business leaders about their challenges and vision.  And, I learned so much!  Did you know that the cap on the ketchup bottle works like a muscle?  The more you open and close it, the stronger it gets (not like when it use to break off just a decade ago).  I learned that from an engineer at Exxon in one of my visits.   
• Taught Agnes to dance!  Wrote a play (Teaching Agnes to Dance) that allowed me to incorporate my experience in Dancing with the Stars, and was even able to create a couple of characters. :)  I love Augustus the Eel and Loxie Vann Salmon!  It's funny that Leonard (Augustus) and Whitney Vann (who they are based on) were so excited to see it and had to have photos with the cast after the performance. By the way, the actors in the show were refreshing and such a joy to work with.
• Watched my daughter skip second grade, which was incredibly scary and exciting!  Her adjustment to third was also a big adjustment for her parents.  We have so much more homework to deal with this year!!  And, we're always worried she's not quite with the rest of her class.  But, she's bringing home As and Bs... and seems happier, so we're good!
• Spent the majority of the summer in a cargo van.  Drove 2000 miles in six weeks along the coast of Louisiana.  I coordinated the company's outreach efforts for the oil spill.  This work caused me much stress and by one of the final events my blood pressure had gotten so high that the doctor we were working with made me go lie down.  She also told me to go see my doctor, who recommended me doing the diet.
• Chaired United Way's campaign cabinet and helped to raise millions of dollars in the Baton Rouge area.  Early reports show the campaign is up nearly 10% (the first time the campaign has seen an increase in years - lets hope it stays up).
• Did Dallas.  Went to Dallas on a girls trip in July that I (very openly) wasn't excited about.  I had been doing all our coastal relief efforts and just wanted to be home.  But, I said yes because I love my friends and what a wonderful time I had.  Better than I ever imagined, really.  I guess it was exactly what I needed.  And, I love those girls.
  
• Played "celebrity" bartender one night and had a blast.  Ended up winning the entire contest with all my shaking and stirring, not to mention $10,000 in tips. :)
• Watched my 7 year old daughter and 41 year old husband complete their first 5k!
• Realized what a wonderful and supportive husband I have -- who is incredibly understanding (and respectful) of all the things I do and is an amazing father to our two girls.
• Experienced loss.  This year, we lost a few special people.  And, I had two very close friends lose their fathers.  I know this isn't really a good thing that happened, but it made the list because of the significance it had on my perspective.  One, I really love both these guys and watching them lose their dad really hurt.  It also reminded me how much I love my parents and how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.  It also reminded me how short life is, and how glad I am that I decided to do the diet.  Losing weight doesn't insure I'll be around forever, but it does improve my quality of life and increase my chances of being around.

And so, I end with this very special one.....

• I lost 50 pounds, brought down my blood pressure, told I look "skinny" on several occasions, and even shopped in the "regular" size section of a store for the first time in years. 

Overall, a great year.  Looking forward to 2011....